Study: Iowa Medicaid expansion would boost state's economy

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 3:28 PM

Expanding Medicaid in Iowa
would add nearly $2.2 billion to the state's economy over the next seven years,
and create more than 2,300 jobs, according to a new study funded by the American Hospital Association.

In addition, expansion of
the state's Medicaid program, which is funded under the federal Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act, would save the state more than $1.6
billion, the organization said in a release.

"The first priority of
Medicaid expansion is to insure as many low-income Iowans as possible,"
Iowa Hospital Association President and CEO Kirk Norris said in a release.
"But this report also shows that Medicaid expansion is both economically
beneficial and fiscally responsible." The Iowa Legislature is currently
considering whether to expand the program.

Gov. Terry Branstad opposes Medicaid
expansion and has proposed
a plan in which participants would pay a monthly contribution and
receive matching state funds.